What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are distinct conditions that share a common outcome (the inability to regulate blood glucose effectively) but arise through different biological mechanisms. Understanding the difference between them is important for appreciating the breadth of RMS’s research program.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system mistakenly identifies pancreatic beta cells (which are responsible for producing insulin) as a threat, and destroys them. The result is a near-total loss of insulin production, typically occurring early in life, and the patient requires lifelong insulin therapy to survive. Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 9.5 million people globally.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, in which the body’s cells become progressively less responsive to insulin’s signals. Beta cells initially compensate by producing more insulin, but over time they lose function and, in many patients, significant beta cell loss follows. Type 2 accounts for more than 90% of all diabetes cases and is closely linked to lifestyle, age, and genetic factors. Because beta cell dysfunction plays a central role in both conditions, a successful beta cell replacement therapy, such as the one RMS is developing, has potential applications for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes alike.

Learn how RMS’s stem cell therapy addresses both types of diabetes.